AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2013 Quarter 3; Ask the Editor
Degenerative Disc Disease Unspecified
How is degenerative disc disease coded in ICD-10-CM when the site is unspecified? The Alphabetic Index under the main term “Degeneration,” subterm “disc disease,” refers the user to “See Degeneration, intervertebral disc NEC.” However, there is no such entry in the Index. Codes in subcategory M51.3 , Other thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc degeneration, are specific to vertebral regions. ...
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Article Overview
This Find-A-Code article addresses an ICD-10-CM terminology and indexing discrepancy related to degenerative disc disease when the anatomical site is not identified. It is aimed at medical coders and clinical documentation staff who need to understand how the current index guidance differs from available ICD-10-CM category structure, and why clarification from the provider may be necessary. The article also notes that a federal coding authority is reviewing the index entry.
Why This Topic Matters
Unspecified documentation for degenerative disc disease can create coding uncertainty, so this article helps coders recognize when the record may need clarification and understand that the current ICD-10-CM structure does not include a direct unspecified option.
What You Will Learn
- How the topic is reflected in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index
- Why the documentation issue creates a coding discrepancy
- What general type of follow-up may be needed when the affected region is not stated
- Which organization is reviewing the index entry
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Revenue cycle staff
Code Ranges Discussed
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